Why? Because the Boro boss sticks to what he thinks is best for the club and his team.

All football managers have their critics and Wilkin is no exception when things are not firing on all cylinders.

But a telling moment came for Wilkin at Corby on Saturday in his five-year spell in charge that has reaped plenty of success and certainly a few setbacks.

A brave Wilkin chose to give hungry teenager Wesley York his league debut against one of the most notorious and physically minded route one teams in Blue Square North following a couple of eye-catching displays as a substitute.

The move paid dividends, the 18-year-old proved a class act in the 2-0 win as he set up Lee Moore to give Boro the lead and bagged a classic second that Paul Gascoigne would have been proud of.

And while York took the plaudits, Wilkin earned his share of glory.

He said: “I’m delighted for Wes and the team. It was a superb all-round display against tough opponents.

“We had a team of heroes out there and this victory and the way it was secured should give the lads a massive dose of confidence and self-belief.

“Defensively we were brilliant, Guy Hadland and Gavin Dean were up against a really awkward striker in Matt Rhead and they kept him under wraps. But this was not about Wes, Guy or Gareth but the whole squad. “

“We’re on a good run of league results at the moment but face another arduous test at Guiseley tomorrow night.

“But if we show the same discipline and desire we can keep things ticking over.”